In the early 2000s I visited the Alabama Gulf Coast for the first time. Some of my friends from North Alabama told me to bring back something for them as a souvenir. Seashells? Nope. To predictible. T-shirts or keychains? No way. To expensive. What did I choose? I filled water empty water bottles with ocean water. Before you think I was crazy, the people were impressed with the gift. I wrote Bible verses on them that reminded them that the Lord "poured" out the ocean water (Amos 9:6) and that He gathers the waters into a "bottle" (Psalm 33:7). It was a huge hit! I was thinking about what to bottle next and I think I have found a way to make millions! Here’s the pitch: “Have you ever felt like you needed more? Have you ever struggled with being content with what you have? I have found the secret to contentment! And in this limited edition, special one time offer, I’m going to sell it to the public by the bottle! Normally these bottles retail for over $5,000 each, but it can be yours for $999.95!!! Act now and we’ll send you one additional bottle for your spouse for half price! Family packages are available. Corporate discounts. Call 1-800-CONTENT now! Wouldn’t it be great if you could buy contentment in a jar? If I could really bottle contentment I would be so rich so fast because people long for it. People cannot find it no matter how hard they look for it. Technology and times change but people do not change. Our hearts all want the same things, contentment. We never stop learning how to cultivate a spirit of contentment. We may never be able to speak like Paul and say we have it, but we are looking for it. You may not admit it but I’m sure you are looking for it too. What if we all had contentment? What if just the Christians had it? What about everyone you know? I know some people that seem to have it, the people in Mayberry. What if we were all like the people of Mayberry? Have you ever wondered why it has been on TV everyday for over 40 years? They learned contentment through friendships and helping each other. Since we can’t have it we enjoy watching others who do have it. There are hundreds of people in the Bible that did not have contentment: (1) Adam and Eve lived in Paradise but they were not content. Eve sinned, not because of pride or lust, but because of competition! She wanted to be like God! Satan convinced her that she could be as smart as God. (2) Satan was not content in the presence of God, in heaven. Satan didn’t want to serve God, He wanted to be God! (3) Judas was one of the hand picked dozen and closest to Jesus our Lord but was not content. He was invited to be a part of the greatest movement, service, and work. If Adam and Eve who lived in Paradise, Satan who lived in heaven, and Judas who walked with Jesus could not find contentment, how much greater is your struggle going to be to find it? Personal contentment will get attacked from every side because the media makes a living on making you discontented. Our wants become the demon that haunts us from cradle to grave. Satan convinces us: “You don’t like yourself. You need to change. You don’t have any friends.” Satan uses two types of devices to capture us: the lure and the trap. The lure is the predator for a child. He says, “There is a puppy in the car. Here is some candy.” The trap is the net where we are captured where we sit or when we are unaware. Remember that Jesus came to give life and Satan came to take it away. Guilt, loneliness, depression, and discontent can destroy abundant life. Many of us are not content with being who we are. Some of us want to be a celebrity and we run to plastic surgery. Listen to the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:12-13: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." We need contentment. Only the Lord can provide it. Let's search the Scriptures. Let's follow Jesus. Then, we will find it! Have a great week!!! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #contentment #love

The church at Ephesus was full of “faithful” brethren. Paul founded it. John was one of their shepherds. Timothy was their preacher. The mother of Jesus worshipped there. They enjoyed the ministry of Apollos, Epaphras, Onesimus, Mary Magdalene, Pricilla and Aquila. If you were looking for faithfulness, you could stop after visiting this church family. These brethren in Ephesus overcame imperial cult worship, dealt with rampant paganism, were impacted by the idolatry of the Temple of Artemis, rejected various false apostles, overcame the errant teaching of the Nicolaitans, and survived the ignorance of the sons of Sceva. There are no less than nine New Testament books connected to this congregation. These were model Christians. Right? Wrong. There are seven letters written to seven New Testament churches. They are found in Revelation 2-3. Jesus sees one thing missing in Ephesus: L-O-V-E (Revelation 2:1-7). They had it at first, but somehow they lost it. Despite thei “faithfulness” of the Ephesians, they were lost. Condemned. Why? All of their faithfulness and steadfast worship… All of their devotion to being right and correcting wrong… All of their biblical knowledge… All of their connections to great men and women of God… was not enough to save them! The one thing they were missing was the one thing that sealed their eternal fate. L-O-V-E. Is this harsh? Not at all. Notice that Jesus speaks of the need for “first” works and “first” love. The greatest commands involve love. Paul speaks of it. John lived it. The Ephesians lost it and didn’t even miss it. How could they fix it? Repentance was necessary. If this antidote was not administered immediately, Jesus promises to remove what fire they had left. What is the lesson in this message? Love is truly the greatest command (Matthew 22:36-40). Without love we are spiritually bankrupt (I Corinthians 13). Do you serve God because of your obligation to do the right thing or because of your affection for the One who saved you? There is a difference. Love is the fire we need to please God. It’s also the virtue we need to change the world. But none of that matters if it doesn’t radiate in your heart. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #love #cure

The apostle Paul wrote to the church of Galatia and said, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." The message of Galatians 5:22-23 still resounds today. If we are born of the Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Romans 8) it is natural for us to bear the fruit of the Spirit. What does that mean? In this space today, I would like for us to consider "PATIENCE" as a fruit of the Spirit. I tell my children, "We only do what we want to do. No one can force you to do anything." Isn't it interesting that when we are determined to do something we always find the time and strength to do it. Even if it is against all odds or if it is painful. Almost everything we do in life requires perseverance and PATIENCE. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with PATIENCE.” We have an earnest expectation (hope) of eternal life with God but we have to have PATIENCE to receive the final reward. The Bible uses the word PATIENCE 25 times and the word PATIENT 12 times. Imagine if you combine those with the times we see the words wait, perseverance and long-suffering. The Bible has much to say about PATIENCE. In fact, from the very beginning of the Bible we learn PATIENCE. I often remind myself that the first promise of a Savior came in the garden, immediately after the fall of man (Genesis 3:15), but would not be fulfilled for a very long time. As we continue to read the Bible we will find that God already had a plan prepared before this happened, and it didn’t catch Him off guard, but mankind would have to wait around 4,000 years before that promise would be fulfilled by sending Jesus to the world. They waited for years, decades, centuries, even millennia until Jesus would come to the earth. Once we can completely comprehend why Jesus came we will have a better understanding of His earthly ministry and work. We will also better understand God's timing. Read Ecclesiastes 3 and you'll get it. We have to be PATIENT and wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). Jesus had to come at the right time and in the right way. One of the reasons why this was essential is because He also came to serve as an example for us (I Peter 2:21-25). Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” He PATIENTLY waited until it was His time to die, but in the meantime He served the Lord and others. The king of kings became a servant and was crucified like a criminal for us. Would you say His PATIENCE paid off? Maybe not! However, it worked out according to God's plan... His perfect plan. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you should read your Bible. The story of Jesus perfectly illustrate hundreds of other children of God in Scripture that throughout time learned to trust God and have PATIENCE. When we wait on Him, it will get better. Almost everything we do in life requires PATIENCE. We may get caught in rush hour traffic, long lines in bank drive thru, low batteries, endless checkout lines and to be honest, getting mad does not help the situation at all. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with PATIENCE.” Waiting on God is about trusting Him to do His part. We must listen to words from one of the songs of Korah (Psalm 46:10). We need to listen to the way they saw God speaking to His people... "Be still, and know that I am God." Are you being still? Do you know that the Lord is your God? Then... be... PATIENT. May God bless you and keep you! Choose PATIENCE. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #fruitofthespirit #patience

The apostle Paul wrote to the church of Galatia and said, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." The message of Galatians 5:22-23 still resounds today. If we are born of the Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Romans 8) it is natural for us to bear the fruit of the Spirit. What does that mean? In this space today, I would like for us to consider "KINDNESS" as a fruit of the Spirit. If we are going to have a greater appreciation for the word KINDNESS, we need to go back to the creation account in Genesis 1. I'm going to emphasis the word KIND and you may never read the creation account the same again. On day three God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its KIND, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so (v.11). On day five "God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their KIND, and every winged bird according to its KIND. And God saw that it was good" (v.21). On day six God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its KIND: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its KIND”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its KIND, cattle according to its KIND, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its KIND. And God saw that it was good (vs.24-25)." When you read Genesis 1 and emphasis the word KIND you can obviously see a lot of KINDNESS. First, I want you to see that everything is created and planted on the earth. This is why Moses uses the words KIND and seed. We don't think of ourselves as seed, or being planted by the Lord, but its true! Adam was formed out of the dust of the earth and then God planted in the Garden of Eden. The Scriptures are revealing what we now call "The Seed Principle." Everything planted in the Garden was to bear seed after its own kind. Humans are no different. Everything was supposed to fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. Once we realize the purpose of man, we can better understand God's command that follows. God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth... See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food (vs.29-30).” Humans are basically left in charge over creation. We are called to have "dominion" over everything on the earth and protect our own KIND which has been created in the image of God (v.26). Therefore, KINDNESS springs from the thought of caring for and watching over our own KIND. How can we be KIND? We need to be more like our Creator and see ourselves as created in God's image. All races on the earth come from the Garden. There is no place for racism or prejudice if we believe in KINDNESS. Proverbs 19:22 says, "What is desired in a man is KINDNESS." This is why we are called to love one another. The apostle Paul said, "Be KINDLY affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10) and "be KIND to one another" (Ephesians 4:32). These principles are taught throughout Scripture. Are you a KIND person? Do you show KINDNESS to others? How do you reflect the Creator? Are you representing Jesus? Our goal as humans, and especially as Christians, is to be KIND to each other. May God bless you and keep you! Choose KINDNESS. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #fruitofthespirit #kindness

I recently had a debate with someone about a false narrative. People say, “Respect is given where respect is earned.” Wrong. Respect is given no matter what. We respect those in authority. We respect our parents. We respect the elderly. Respect is a part of godly living. People do not have to earn our respect. We can learn great lessons from the apostle Paul. He taught the church in Romans 13 to respect the Roman government. The very government that had imprisoned him and would eventually kill him. Yet, he taught respect is always necessary. Sometimes as young people we have a hard time showing respect towards our parents. The Bible clearly teaches us that blessings come to those who respect their parents. Do you honor your mother and father? Read the Proverbs. You’ll see many passages about what happens to those who disrespect their parents. Don’t neglect this great Bible teaching. Honor your parents. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming up soon. Make plans to honor your mother and father. Let them know how much you love them and repay some of the kindness they’ve shown you over the years. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #mother #father #honor

Life is tough. The roads are rough. There are mountains, deserts and valleys. We get knocked down. We don’t want to get up. Then when we do get up… we get knocked down again. Praying for deliverance seems to fall on deaf ears. We get anxious or depressed trying to find a silver lining. I have often had people tell me it gets better. Honestly, I am confident that things don't always get better. Things don't always work out. People don't always choose to be rational and civil. Healing isn’t always in the cards. Our loved ones do not raise miraculously from the dead. Multi-million dollar jobs don’t just appear out of thin air. Cheating spouses don’t repent and come home. Rebellious children don’t always come home like the prodigal son. Bank accounts aren’t suddenly overflowing with cash. We don’t all get the happy ending. So, what? How can we cope? Where can we find hope? Here is my thought… things may not get better, but YOU can be better. You can grow through the experience. You can find a new normal. You can find yourself, establish a new mission, find a greater purpose… and be better! I Peter 4:12-14 says, “My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. But be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you.” Listen to Peter… Don’t be surprised. Don’t worry. Find a way to rejoice. Most of all, remember that you are blessed and that God is with you! Things may not get better, but you will be better. This is the Lord’s promise. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #joy #rejoice

When I was in graduate school I had the opportunity to sit at the feet of some spiritual giants. I took courses on church growth with Dr. Steven Guy and the late brother Clayton Pepper. I especially enjoyed attending over half a dozen seminars with Ray Fulenwider. In one of those seminars he laid out a blueprint for successful church work and necessary change to bring growth. They are as follows: Change Comes When There Is A Cause For Unhappiness - We SHOULD NOT change things for sake of change! However, change can be good. Many people are unhappy with changes, but it needs to be done. Getting married is a good change. Starting a diet is a good change. Getting more exercise is a good change. Dedicating more time to prayer and service is a good change. However, there has to be a cause for unhappiness first - then change will come. Change Comes When There Is A Desire For Hard Work - Sometimes we give up to soon. We need to give God time to work. The church is HIS body. The money collected is HIS money. The building and the church vans belong to HIM. We have to choose to get on board with HIS vision. Change Comes When There Is A New Vision - Each new year we need to begin with a new vision. We need a year of prayer, a year for the Word, a year for the family, etc. These things are good partners for change. Change Comes When There Is New Plans - New plans need to be given with a good chance for success. Don't listen to the critics, the cynics, and defeatists. The team needs to put together plans and MOVE FORWARD. People need to see that the church has good chance for success with a new vision and new plans. Change Comes When There Is Good Communication - We need more discussion on "What are we doing?" and "Why are we doing it?" Prayer and dialogue will break down barriers. Attitudes will change and people will be ready for change. We need family meetings to talk about goals and missions. Many times we will realize that we have the same goals just different methods. We need to promote open and honest dialogue. Change Comes When Everyone Prays - Just pray for God’s will to be done, together. This will not happen overnight, but it WILL happen. If God is in control there will be times for destroying buildings, moving, and purchasing new property. We need to remind people it's time to move forward! It's time to move on for God’s glory! And, prayer is one way to get there! What great advice! These notes were taken from a two day seminar in 2004. Those words are just as true today as they were on that weekend several years ago. I hope you will keep praying for God's will to be done in your life! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #change #repent

It hurts. When someone treats us unfairly or wrongly.... it REALLY hurts. We weep. We mourn. We experience anger, frustration, and deep emotional turmoil. The world will say, "Take vengeance. Pay them back for what they've done to you." But what did Jesus do? How would God want you to act toward that individual? Forgiveness involves more than just an action, it is an attitude, where we abandon all animosity and hatred. Paul said, “All bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and evil speaking should be put away” (Ephesians 4:31) in order for forgiveness to take place. Remember that godly love (agape) conquers all because it allows us to humanize our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and enables us to stop keeping track of the wrongs someone has committed against us (I Corinthians 13:5). Ultimately, God wants us to see the benefits of conflict resolution (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 18:15-35, Galatians 6:1-2). He knows we need reconciliation with Him, first, and then to others as well. Think about the forgiveness God has given you... then pass it on to others. In this way, you are more like God than ever before. Because God is a God of lovingkindness, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I know it hurts, but try to let God handle the pain while you handle the peace. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #love #forgive #forgiveness

We had an amazing time at Lads to Leaders!! There were eleven of us that attended the convention in Orlando last week. It was wonderful! The kids did amazing. In a few weeks we will honor all of our kids that participated for the past two years. I am proud of all the youth for contributing to this program. The speeches of the boys were directed toward the theme of being lost. I would like to spend the next few weeks writing about the necessity of salvation. The thought of salvation offers hope to the believer. It also causes the non-believer to search for confidence and assurance in their eternal destiny. Do you really have the hope of salvation? Do you struggle with doubt? In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans the apostle Paul pens, in my opinion, one of the greatest chapters in all of the Bible. Paul has addressed the freedom we have from sin, and that we each have the personal indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, which identifies our spiritual adoption and confirms our eternal destiny. Then, just before he addresses God’s everlasting love and protection, he says these words. . . “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:18-25) This is a message of hope that Paul wants every person to accept. Ministers, church leaders, Bible class teachers, faithful members of the church, new converts, life-time believers. . . anyone and everyone who will listen. . . you need to know that every Christian can experience periods of doubt, helplessness, and weakness. There are so many things that weigh us down and hinder us from knowing the full assurance of the hope of salvation. Satan has a way of convincing us that we are not good enough, we are too sinful, or that God has forgotten us. He fills our minds with so many questions that our heart looks away from God and we can easily lose our focus. We have to remember that there is a God. . . a Creator that since the beginning of time has been working a plan to save me from my sins. That amazing God has offered His one and only Son in my place as a substitute so that I might not have to die for my many sins. He has established His church for my protection, He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me, and He has preserved His Holy word to be my light. I know I am going to heaven and I know that those who have been immersed into the precious blood of Jesus and are daily living as a sacrificial servant will join me there one day with the saints of old for a reunion of God’s family! Do you have that hope of salvation? It’s a hope only God can provide! Over the next few weeks I would like to share with you some reasons why you should pursue salvation. Hopefully these articles will encourage you to become a more faithful servant of God. Also, they might encourage you to talk to others about the importance of salvation The world needs hope. Let's seek and save the lost. Have a great week!!! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #salvation

Lost. Defined as being unable to find one's way; not knowing one's whereabouts; gone astray; going off-course or off-track; disoriented; having lost one's bearings; adrift; denoting something that has been taken away or cannot be recovered. It’s a horrible feeling. In Luke chapter 15 verses four through seven Jesus tells the story about a lost sheep. In that story the shepherd leaves 99 sheep to pursue one sheep. One little lost lamb. Why would he take such a risk? One sheep doesn’t seem worth it. Unless... that is... WE are that lost sheep. That would make all the difference in the world. In Luke chapter 15 verses eight through ten, Jesus tells a story about a woman who has 10 silver coins. Unfortunately, she loses one of them. She spends a lot of time looking through the entire house for that coin. When she finally finds it, she rejoices! Jesus says this is just like what happens when lost people are saved. All of heaven rejoices. The rest of the 15th chapter of Luke gives the final story of lost things... a lost son. The story of the prodigal son is one of the most famous stories in all the Bible. It is recorded in Luke chapter 15. The story is told about a young man who decides to take his inheritance and leave home. He lives a very foolish lifestyle, loses everything, and decides he has no other option but to go home. It’s a wonderful story about how a father‘s love can forgive even the most rebellious child. Don’t you think it’s amazing how these stories parallel our own story with God? We fall away, we get neglected, and we rebel in sin, but our Heavenly Father will always forgive us and take us home. God is a collector of lost things. Praise God we can be found! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #love #lost #compassion #saved

Each year on March 17th we scour our closets in frenzy for a green shirt. We may even dig one out of the dirty clothes hamper just to avoid getting pinched! It doesn’t have to be totally green, just have green somewhere in it. If you are like me you’ve tried socks, but they don’t qualify because they are not visible. Hats often work, but you can’t take them off or you’ll get busted. Why do we put ourselves through this each year? Well, of course, there is a good reason. March 17th marks the anniversary of the death of Maewyn Succat’s death. Who is Maewyn Succat? Keep reading and you’ll find out. Maewyn Succat was born in Britain in the fourth century, just a few centuries after the death of Jesus. Christianity was just starting to peak and missions were popping up everywhere. Unfortunately, Maewyn was kidnapped by pagan idol worshippers at 16 years old and sold into slavery. He was forced to become a shepherd in Ireland. While in slavery he had dreams and visions about escaping and going home. One morning he was able to sneak away and found his way back to Britain. After arriving home, Maewyn had more dreams and visions about becoming a missionary. He felt God calling him to take the gospel back to Ireland so that he might convert those people who kidnapped him. In 432, Maewyn became a priest and returned to Ireland. By this time he had changed his name to Patrick (meaning “father of his people”). He taught and educated the people of Ireland. He built schools all along the west coast of Ireland. One of his famous illustrations was using the shamrock to explain the Godhead to Irish people (three clovers representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). After 30 years of mission work in Ireland he passed away on March 17th 461. Soon after his death the Catholic Church bestowed the term “saint” upon him. Then, the people of Ireland established St. Patrick’s Day in his honor. St. Patrick’s Day falls during Lent. Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day is the only day during Lent that the prohibitions against eating meat are lifted. On this day, many people celebrate with traditional Irish feasts and parties. Unfortunately, there is usually a lot of drinking (a well-known Irish past time). However, they do love to eat bacon and cabbage and anything green! Other traditions include finding a lucky four-leaved clover, kissing the blarney stone (Blarney Castle), and telling stories about leprechauns. I hope this helps you understand St. Patrick’s Day and have a greater understanding of the sacrifices of Maewyn Succat. Have a great day! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #SaintPatrick #MaewynSuccat

Have you ever found yourself wondering why you seem to be surrounded by trial and suffering? You love God and you’re making a consistent effort to be more like Him, but the trials keep pouring in. Jesus tells us that God loves us in John 3:16 but we often have our doubts because of the problems we face. King David reminds us that when God forgives us we receive a clean slate. Psalm 103 :12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” So why? Why can’t I seem to stay out of trouble? If I am loved and forgiven, why all this trouble? Let me share a psalm of David with you. Psalm 9:15-20 says, “The nations have sunk in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid has their own foot been caught. The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever. Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men!” Everybody struggles. Notice how David speaks of the nation completely falling apart. Other nations were winning against them. His enemies seem to winning against him. However, by the end of the psalm we can see that He knows God is in control! We may face anguish and sorrow, but we have to remember that God is with us. If you have surrendered all to God but still have trouble it’s probably because Satan, our great accuser, is taking some pokes at you. One of his favorite tactics is to bring up your past sins and failures. He loves to create doubt and discouragement in the minds of God’s children. Actually, and sadly I might add, he can influence us in a religious tone of voice: “Remember when you (fill in the blank). . . . . God hasn’t forgotten. Now He’s getting you back!” We often have those thoughts of inadequacy and we want to throw in the towel. Kind David dealt this this same struggle. In Psalm 25:6-7 he says, “Remember, Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” Did you see that? He is still worried about his past failures. Satan has a field day bringing up your past mistakes as “evidence” that you are not totally forgiven. He tries to convince you that you’re a second-class Christian. He wants you to convince yourself that you are not saved, you are unworthy of being used by God in any significant way, and that your trials are a result of God’s chastening and punishment for your past sins. Yes, none of us are worthy of God's grace (Romans 3:23) and we need to continually guard our hearts against pride. However, we cannot believe that our God is behind our trials! God's awesome power gives me every hope that He can wipe them away at a moment’s notice. So then, who? Why? The answer is Satan. And his reasoning is because he wants you to give up on living your Christian life. Take an active stance against your enemy and don’t let him win a single battle. Look upward instead of inward! Fill your heart with peace and know that God wants you to mature and learn from these trials. How can you use them to glorify Him? Have a great week!!! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp#foryoupage #Jesus#socialmedia #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #trouble #trials #Satan #devil